Gregory holds off Belmont Royale

Gregory (Jeff Gregory) takes the $8,500 Vernon Downs on Sunday (June 21).

Primo Uomo (Frank Affrunti) took the lead with a full lap to go and led to the quarter in :27.2 and was first to the half in :56.1.  Gregory ($4,12) made his move heading to the final turn and took control to three quarters in 1:24.2.

As they reached the stretch second place finisher Belmont Royale (Dylan Huckabone-Miller) gave everything he had but couldn’t get to Gregory who won in 1:52.4.  Merrow (Chris Long) finished third.

GREGORY REPLAY

Gregory is a 4-year-old horse by American Ideal.  He is owned by Purple Haze Stable and trained by Jessica Okusko.  It was his fifth win this season and his ninth career victory.

Jimmy Whittemore remained red hot with a driving hat trick.  Truman Gale had a driving double.  Jessica Okusko and Ken Dawson had training doubles.  Jacquayvian Carter notched his first parimutuel driving win.

Vernon Downs returns to live racing on Friday (June 26) with a post time of 5:05 p.m.

For more information go to www.vernondowns.com.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by John Horne, for Vernon Downs